By India Today Sports Desk: Ravichandran Ashwin heaped praise on Chris Woakes after his player of the series performance against Australia during Ashes 2023.
Woakes’ inclusion from the third Test match at Headingley onwards played a significant role in turning the tide for England. He took 19 wickets at an average of 18.3, including a first five-wicket haul against Australia in the fourth Test. His performance was instrumental in helping England draw the series 2-2 with Australia, a feat that seemed unlikely after England trailed 2-0.
Woakes’ performance was not limited to his bowling. He also contributed with the bat, notably scoring 32 runs in the Headingley chase, which kick-started England’s comeback. His all-round performance earned him high praise and recognition as England’s player of the series.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by Crictracker, Ashwin hailed Woakes and said he still couldn’t understand how the 34-year-old isn’t a regular in the current England Test side.
The Indian spinner said he feels jealous watching Woakes play as he looks like a natural athlete.
“He (Chris Woakes) is someone who keeps getting better with every game he plays. I still can’t understand how he is still not a regular in this England Test XI. If he was born in any other country, barring injuries, he would have been one of the top three names in the playing XI,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“I feel really jealous when I watch him play. He makes it look really easy. He is a natural athlete. If you look at the way he runs, you will feel as if someone trained him how to run a huddle. On the field, once he finishes his spell, he will not remain stiff at all. His bowling action is so natural and his run-up itself is so good, it makes you go, ‘wow’,” Ashwin added.
Ashwin feels that with Broad’s retirement, Woakes should now get a standard slot in the playing XI.
“I don’t think any fast bowler, or be it any bowler, will get close to 600 Test wickets in the future generation. What an extraordinary career. Both Broad and Anderson have been great servants of English cricket. (Stuart) Broad’s retirement will mean Chris Woakes will get a standard slot in the playing XI,” said Ashwin.
